Nottingham in the 1970s and 1980s.

The photographs shown on this site were taken between 1978 and 1983, a time when it seemed that most of the buildings in Nottingham that everyone knew and loved were being demolished. Many of the buildings were redundant and unsuitable for modern use. Most of the cinemas closed because they were losing money, their use replaced by the home video recorder. Even buildings bearing a City Council plaque showing their historical significance, such as the original Raleigh Cycle factory, were demolished. Sentiment was no defence against the bulldozer.

As building land became scarce within the city, even redundant canal courses (Nottingham Canal) and railway lines (Great Central)  were redeveloped for housing. Now, twenty five years later, it is hard to see where these major 19th and 20th century landmarks once carved their way through the city.

Thankfully, many great buildings survived. Some, such as Lambert's factory on Talbot Street, came very close to being lost, but were rescued when the authorities intervened to save them. Others have stood the test of time and have or are being restored to their former glory (the Nat West Bank, Thurland Street). The pictures on this site show both sides of the story.

The decision to take the pictures was inspired by the Victorian Nottingham series, published by The Nottingham Historical Film Unit. My pictures are in no way a match for their catalogue, but hopefully they too capture a lost period in the history of this great city. 

The pictures in the sections below may take a short while to download if you are using a slow connection. Please be patient - it will be worth it.

Cinemas	Nottingham Canal	Factories and Offices	Wollaton	Great Central Railway
©  Pictures are Copyright G.Woodward 2008 Last updated 8 January 2008. If you would like more information about a particular picture, contact me.